New product for 3rd gens

[Matt400]

I have a question about something I came up with.

I have applied a devise (universal in nature) that works on 03-07's that I feel is a winner. I might even do a prototype for 2nd gens but heres the deal-

I can't patent the product because its not mine but as far as my research has gone I have not found anyone using it on Pick-Ups.



I spent a considerable amount of time doing measurements and calculations to come up with the right combination applying it's use to my own truck, the final prototype IMO is really nice.



So my question is- If I market it as either a retailer or even sell only wholesale, how can I insure a distributor won't look at it, figure out where I procured the parts from and just assemble the kit themselves, buy direct and cut me out?

 

[CRobbins]

Patent possible....

If the device is not for a pickup and you adapt it to one, the application is possibly patentable. If its an improvement on a device with a application change, it too may be patentable. The boss and I have a patent app in right now, what a complex process.



Good luck...

CR

 

[Matt400]

I was trying to think of an example without divulging what it really is...

Lets go back in time, suppose for example that those neat little gas charged struts many manufactures use on hoods and trunk lids now days was just coming into the picture and consumers were still struggling with using a metal rod to support their fiberglass tonneau covers on their pick-up beds.



The idea of holding a lid up with a gas strut at this time is not a novel idea and is the reason manufactures are making them for all kinds of other uses yet no one is using them on tonneau covers just yet.



I see a market for this and find out what brackets, length of strut, stroke and pressure are needed for the various covers. I come up with a kit to sell but I didn't make the parts. The kit parts 99% mainly built & supplied buy the strut manufacture for use on a wide range of things not just automotive.



So I begin to sell these kits to truck accessory places and find later on that someone has looked at the kit, bought direct from my supplier and packaged their own kit in which case ends up being a waste of time for me.

 

[WUnderwood]

you definately have my interest, in whatever it is

 

[CSkal]

I
So I begin to sell these kits to truck accessory places and find later on that someone has looked at the kit, bought direct from my supplier and packaged their own kit in which case ends up being a waste of time for me.

I can't think of any protection to offer you other than the possible patent. I worked for an aftermarket suspension company, and in many cases did exactly what you are describing. I think the success of your idea will come down to the manner in which you market the product; why it is better than some other company's product, better customer service, etc...

Best of luck with your quest, I wish you great success.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

If your product has potential to sell a number of copies, maybe it could be designed with one certain component that only one certain manufacturer would make, and then you could see about going into contract with that manufacturer so that they only make it for you.

 

[p-Bar]

You just need to go in and slam the market and make your money and expect others to copy you down the line. You can then advertise it as the "original"

 

[JVolpe]

Ok, I want to order two. One to use and the other, well, maybe take apart and see if I can "improve". I looked at filing for a patent many years ago and finally gave up.



That seems to be the way a lot of products are brought to market. One guy does all the work and then the immitator with the most money and best marketing makes the most money.

 

[surfbeetle]

I think the only sound advice would be for you to speak with a patent attorney. If this product is something that you could definitely profit from then it would be worth the fees to see a lawyer, just think of the fees as R&D costs. They would probably be a write off as well.

 

[HeberRam]

Matt400, there is no garentee someone else will try to copy you on your product, like others have stated, unless you have a patent. The thing you want to do is make it unique in someway, make it affordable, make it nice, and really work for it's intended use, have good customer support and incorporate a piece or fuction, that others will have difficulity doing or finding. For instance,there are TDR members out there like myself, that make things for our Dodge trucks, ie. my shift knobs, others that do Billet valve covers, billet oil caps, billet fuel filter covers etc. that are not necessary patented. There are others that can make shift knobs, however, no one does what I do. Futher more, no one else wants to do it once they find out what is involved and a pain in the "butt" for any sort of return. :{ :{ You need to find the right market or "niche". I know of another like DSS steering stablizers, I bought the first one, pretty crude worked great, bought another for my 3rd. gen, finish and fix excellent, priced right, and unless you have a welding machine, square steel tubing, machine lathe, access to specialty bearings etc. it isn't worth the time and money (at least) in my case to try to duplicate to save a buck etc. . You see where I going with this????



Anyway good luck.

 

[merryman]

About 30 years ago during a time when I was getting a rash of threats on my life, I looked at everything I could find on ways to cary a handgun concealed, confortable and very available; not liking anything I found I made one. After using it for a year or so and tweeking it abit, I made a second and shipped it off to a major holster producer(name is like a close relative), asking if they would be interested in some kind of deal to produce it--yea, I knew they could just take the idea, but as a reputable major player, I just hoped for integrety.
I heard nothing back from them and my sample did not come back, but about two years later there was my holster in their catalogue. I don't think a real honest "aunt" would have treated me like her 'husband' did. I just did not think going the patent route was worth the hassel when I had no market system in place as the "relative" did.

Vaughn

 

[Bob Wagner]

Best wishes Matt I hope you product works well and sells like hotcakes



Reverse engineering sucks but if you've been here for any length of time you have seen it repeated over and over

 

[Matt400]

I am glade I posted this question, lots of great advise. What I have is not unique and others may have already done something similar but at the present time I can't buy one so I think it should be available.



I am currently having the manufacture make a change to my prototype for the better in addition to having one of the parts custom made so... as its fine tuned a little better it becomes even more unique.

After doing much more research I find its just too obvious for a patent and all anyone would have to do is change it some and call it theirs anyway.



I will post to this thread when its ready for all your input with pictures but for a few more weeks I still want to keep it quite until I "know for sure" its the best I can make it.

 

[MMeier]

Cool, keep us posted!

 

[BILLVO]

This site may help. Has the products your talking about I think.



http://www.suspa-inc.com/

 

[nwpadmax]

Generally speaking, patents are expensive to file ($2k+) and the examination process is lengthy. I just had one issued that I worked on 7 years ago. Plus, there are yearly upkeep fees.

The idea has to be "novel," meaning "not obvious" to one "skilled in the art. "

If you're adapting something that already exists, then you're going to have a hard time proving novelty.

Of course, check with a patent attorney or patent filing agent, but my guess is that a patent probably isn't in your future.

Think of how many you can possibly sell. Say 1000 units. If you really believe the thing will sell, and you've done enough beta testing to ensure that the product will work and be reliable, and not cause harm in any way (think of the liability!!!), then make up 300+ units boxed and ready to go. Have your credit card processing in place and advertise heavily. When you sell your first 75 units and the reviews are good, order 500 more. Service the hell out of your first customers... . they'll be your best advertisement.

Pay attention to any negativity or unhappy customers and take all feedback seriously. Always pay attention to any potential liabilities.

Good luck!

 

[Matt400]

This site may help. Has the products your talking about I think.



http://www.suspa-inc.com/

Thanks for the link but they don't have what I am working with. I have been able to specially configure a devise for this project and will post when its all ready.

 

[Red_Rattler]

So what the heck is it LOL

 

[p-Bar]

It's like the skunk works project everybody is given a little bit and that's it

 

[Matt400]

:-laf yes, thats it! A top secrete wiz bang devise.



Well secretes are no fun and I should at least come forward I suppose.

The thing is that once I started working on it, and had one on my own truck and then started getting requests from others in our area for one on their truck it caused more work cuz the applications started to spread which meant changes / revisions and such.



All this very time consuming, working with 2 manufactures that can't just drop their current requests to work only on mine.

Good news though because what was once a 3rd Gen accessory is now a 94-07 accessory along with many years of coverage for Ford and GM's all in one part number.



So what the heck is it! Its a gas charged traction spring that makes opening and closing the tailgate just as easy as opening and closing the door.



I started working on it last year and allot more has happened with this product since posting. For such a simple product that you would think an off the shelf item would work I ended up having it custom made for the specific application. Body length, stroke, pressure and mounting ends were revamped over and over.



I had not planned on selling it retail and would like to have distributors pick it up. I have not had the time to even ask for any distributors but will start that process as early as next week I hope.

At the same time I don't want to leave anyone here hanging if they want one so pm me and I will work something out.



I still need to get pictures up on our site for it cuz people at least want to see what it is. For more info click on GateAssist.